The first part of the workshop "Fundamentals of psychological research methodology" is behind us.

7 July 2025 year took place first part of the workshop online under the title "Fundamentals of psychological research methodology" led by Dr Beata E. Andrzejewska. The event was organised with a view to third semester psychology students. The meeting lasted from 17:00 to 19:30. The second part of the workshop is scheduled for 14 July.

A practical introduction to psychological research methodology

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn about basic issues related to the design of psychological research. Topics discussed included how to formulate research questions and hypotheses, and how to translate mental phenomena into measurable variables. Dr Beata E. Andrzejewska explained differences between the dependent variable and the independent variable and introduced the concept of operationalisation.

Why methodology matters

Participants reflected together on the role of methodology in the research process and the consequences of not following it. A walk-through of the stages of research design is illustrated concrete examples from psychological practice. The workshop provided a concrete basis for understanding research and selecting effective methods of working with a patient or client according to the approach of the evidence-based.

Psychology students on a field trip to the Detention Centre in Wrocław

Second and third semester psychology students had the opportunity to participate in an unusual practical lesson - a two-hour field trip to the Detention Centre in Wrocław. It was a unique opportunity to see with their own eyes what the work of a penitentiary psychologist looks like in real conditions. The meeting was led by experienced Dr Marta Jastrzębska, who shared her knowledge and experience in this specific field.

The culmination of an online workshop

The organised field trip was the culmination of a workshop through which students were introduced to the behind-the-scenes work of a penitentiary psychologist, learning about the challenges involved in working with people deprived of their liberty. The class was an opportunity to learn about the process of providing opinions and psychological support in a prison setting. Thanks to the field trip, the students had a great opportunity to learn the theoretical aspects in practice, observing the work of a penitentiary psychologist in the Wrocław Detention Centre.

We wrote more about the workshop in this article.

"Gift of the Heart" - Student Government of the College of Vocational Training with a visit to an orphanage

On the occasion of Children's Day representatives of the Student Government of our University visited one of the local orphanages, donating gifts collected as part of the "Gift of the Heart". The initiative was met with an overwhelming response from the academic community - both students and staff at our University showed that they have really big hearts!

Children's joy and time spent together

Among the gifts donated were games, balls, skateboards, books, toys, sweets, as well as a special gift - The biggest swing we could buy. The joy of the children was immense. The sight of the happy faces and the sparkle in the eyes of the little ones was the best reward for the joint action of the entire JCCC community.

The atmosphere during the visit was full of positive energy, emotion and joy. The shared games, conversations and moments spent together showed, how important such gestures are and how much good they can dowhen we act together.

A day full of smiles and emotions

The biggest joy for the children was the new swingwhich was set up the same day - the smiles on the faces of the little ones and their enthusiasm were priceless! In addition to the swing, the children also received toys, games, books and sweets - all thanks to the huge hearts of our academic community.

The atmosphere was incredibly warm and joyful. The children were eager to unwrap the parcels and their joy was shared by all present. The time spent together, the conversations and games were extremely moving and gave a lot of positive energy to both children and visitors.

Goodness that stays for a long time

Thank you to everyone who added something of their own - we proved that together we can create great joy and leave some goodness behind. This day will definitely stay with us for a long time!

"Applying AI in Business - How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Market". A practical online workshop for students of our University.

12 June 2025 (Thursday) from 19:00-21:00 an online workshop for students of the College of Vocational Training will be held. The topic of the meeting will be "Applying AI in Business - How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Marketplace". The workshop will be led by MA Mehmet Ömürlü collaborating with WSKZ, who will present ways in which artificial intelligence can be used in different areas of companies' operations. The workshop has been prepared with the following in mind students interested in modern technologies and their impact on the labour market.

What will you learn during the workshop?

The aim of the workshop is to present, How artificial intelligence is changing the way companies operate, influences process efficiency and enables the creation of new business models. Participants will learn how AI is used in marketing, HR, finance and data analysis.

The following will be discussed specific toolssuch as chatbots, recommendation systems or process automation. The workshop provides for interactive exercises through which participants will learn about real examples of AI implementation in companies and the challenges that come with it. Particular emphasis will be placed on competences that will be key in the labour market in the coming years.

Technical details

The meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform. Participants can also join by phone on +48 22 163 89 13 and PIN: 185 821 777#.

Direct link to the meeting: https://meet.google.com/sgq-fzzk-kgv and additional telephone numbers https://meet.google.com/tel/sgq-fzzk-kgv?pin=3836374194634.

Programme "Safe city - Safe student. Opole Against Trafficking in Human Beings. Scientific and didactic levels of research on human trafficking" as an example of good academic practice

The project is being implemented in 2025 from funds of the University of Opole and the budget of the Marshal's Office of the Opole Voivodeship as part of Small Grants for Universities in the Opole Voivodeship. It is called: "Safe city - Safe student. Opole against trafficking in human beings. Scientific and didactic levels of research on human trafficking". The programme is aimed at the region's student and research community. The project is implemented by the Centre for Counteracting Trafficking in Human Beings of the University of Opole and the La Strada Foundation (CPHLUOiFS) in cooperation with invited experts and practitioners, including lawyers dealing with human trafficking issues.

The need for education on human trafficking

Ease of establishing contacts - including via the Internet - as well as freedom of movement and access to employment, particularly in the summer months - bring young people not only positive aspectssuch as the opportunity to learn about new cultures or make friends, but also risks. One of the most serious challenges remains the contemporary phenomenon of human trafficking - involving forced labour, exploitation for prostitution or organ trafficking. It is therefore essential to conduct educational activities to raise students' awareness on hazard identification, countermeasures and available forms of protection.

Programme structure and objectives

The project involves an educational programme, starting with an initial survey of the students' level of knowledge by means of a questionnaire. On this basis, the following will be developed a didactic programme addressing the identified needs of participants. It will include information materials, multimedia lectures and workshops on human trafficking. The content will include an analysis of the current forms of the phenomenon, legal provisions, ways of counteractingas well as the issue of gainful employment - taking into account regional conditions. The role of public institutions such as the Police, Border Guard, courts or labour inspection will also be discussed, as well as the importance of the activities of non-governmental organisations.

Conference and participation of an expert from the School of Vocational Training

The project will culminate in international scientific conference organised at the University of Opole. Among the speakers will be a regular collaborator of the La Strada Foundation - the Dr. Vytautas Yakimko, assistant professor at the Institute of Law of the College of Professional Training. As part of the programme on 4-6 June 2025. he will conduct some of the guest lectures and educational meetings for students at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Opole.

Guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari

On 25 May 2025, the School of Professional Training, Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security, hosted a guest lecture by Dr Magdalena El Ghamari, entitled 'The Criminology and Homeland Security'. "Russian disinformation in the Middle East and North Africa - threats and challenges"..

The lecture was organised for second-level students of the criminology and provided an opportunity to deepen the understanding of contemporary information threats in a geopolitical context. Dr M. El Ghamari presented mechanisms of action of russian disinformation campaigns, their impact on regional security, particularly in Syria and Libya, and the challenges they pose to states and the international community.

The presentation was of great interest to students and was a valuable addition to the training programme in the area of threat analysis and contemporary forms of hybrid operations.

Psychology without borders: take part in WSKZ projects abroad and develop your competences

The WSKZ Centre for International Cooperation invites Psychology students to participate in international projects! Thanks to a partnership with the German organisation Pewobe g GmbH, the Centre for International Cooperation of the College of Vocational Training is pleased to offer Psychology students unique opportunities for professional and personal development through participation in two international projects: 

• Summer volunteering in Germany (Frankfurt (Oder), 20 July to 15 August 2025) - participation in the organisation of an international summer camp for young people, creation of workshops and activities. Costs are covered by the European Solidarity Corps. 
• "Pop-up Village" in Germany (Herzershof, from 1 to 29 June 2025) - working on projects in the fields of sustainability, ecology and community life, with the possibility of full EU EVS funding. 

Participation in the above projects is a great opportunity to develop your competences, learn languages, expand your international network and gain valuable experience. 

Applications: email the International Cooperation Centre and we will send you all the necessary information: cwm@wskz.pl. 

Number of places limited. Don't miss the opportunity for growth and international adventure!

Cyber-abuse and the world of screens - workshop with Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko is over

On May 25, 2025, second-semester psychology students had the opportunity to take part in a unique workshop conducted by Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko. The event, organised by the Institute of Psychology of the Higher School of Vocational Education, took place in a stationary format at LO V at 14 Jacka Kuronia Street in Wrocław. The participants - in an intimate group of 25 people - were explore the problem of addiction to new technologies screen and digital social networks.

What was the workshop about?

The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive use of digital media and the presentation of diagnostic models to assist in the diagnosis of so-called 'cyber-behaviour'. Issues such as:

• The social nature of man and the impact of information and image avalanches;
• The neurobiological consequences of using screen technologies;
• mechanisms leading to disruption in the digital world;
• tests and diagnostic pathways;
• assumptions for the treatment and prevention of cyber-bullying.

What knowledge did the participants gain?

The students not only enhanced their theoretical knowledgebut also gained practical skills. Thanks to the workshop format, participants:

• understood the correlations between the misuse of technology and the development of cyber disorders;
• have acquired methodological competence in problem recognition;
• have learned to propose adequate preventive actions.

The meeting was chaired by a recognised expert in prevention and education, by Dr Mariusz Z. Jędrzejko, was met with great interest and commitment from students.

Prominent representative of the Białystok school of criminology as a guest of our University

We are delighted to announce that our University will be visited by Prof. zw. dr hab. Ewa Guzik-Makaruk from the University of Białystok - a recognised expert in criminal law and criminology, representative of the the bialystok school of criminology.

On 24 May 2025 She will deliver two open lectures for students of Criminology first and second degree. This will be a unique opportunity to come into direct contact with a scientist with an established academic background, and at the same time a chance to confront theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Lecture topics:

1. Selected legal and criminological aspects of organ, tissue and cell transplantation in Poland.
2. Patostreaming and patoinfluencing as contemporary challenges for criminal law and criminology.

A meeting with the Professor will certainly enrich the didactic process, broaden the students' perspective and enable discussion of current issues in the contemporary world.

Students of the University of Vocational Training rocked the Wrocław Juvenalia!

9 May students The University of Vocational Training in Wrocław let themselves be swept up in the madness of the student festival in the Osobowickie Fields in Wrocław! It was loud, colourful and joyful - Music, dancing and a great atmosphere united students from different universities in a joint celebration.

The day was the perfect opportunity to catch your breath before the intense end of termrecharge their batteries and simply have fun. Our students have shown that they can not only work hard, but also enjoy student life to the full. Thank you to everyone who was with us - It was a day that will stay with us for a long time. See you at future events!